Family Planning & Pregnancy

The Role of Vitamin D in IVF

May 31, 2018

Share this:

The Role of Vitamin D in IVF

Several couples grapple with infertility. But fortunately several treatments now exist to help women conceive. One such treatment is IVF.

What is IVF?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a fertility treatment that involves fertilization of eggs and sperms in a lab instead of the womb. After fertilization, the embryo/s are transferred inside the uterus for implantation. It is an expensive procedure with a low success rate with just the initial treatment.

It can be a long and stressful process for couples undergoing IVF. Use of fertility vitamins and other measures can help increase the success rate of IVF. Vitamin D is considered as a beneficial vitamin for IVF.

Vitamin D and IVF

When you want vitamins to help you conceive, one nutrient may not solve all the problems. There have been some studies that show that intake of vitamin D for fertility problems can be useful.

The body synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. You can also get it from some food sources such as eggs, cheese, some varieties of mushrooms, drumsticks and fish like salmon and tuna. Many foods like cereal, milk and juices are also fortified with vitamin D, which the body absorbs well. Vitamin D3 is one of the forms of vitamin D. It is more easily processed by the body.

The benefits of vitamin D3 for pregnancy are still not clear. But many clinical tests have confirmed one of the best fertility vitamins can be vitamin D. It has been linked to the increased success rate of IVF treatments. Women who have sufficient reserves of vitamin D are able to conceive with much greater success. It also increases the chances of successful completion of the term and live births.

The role of this vitamin D in IVF may not yet be clear. But all the studies so far point to its utility in improving the success of the treatment. Some studies have pointed to the fact that vitamin D may aid the role of uterine lining. But more research is required to know the exact role of vitamin D in IVF and as a fertility vitamin. But it is certain that a low level of vitamin D certainly impacts fertility adversely.

Vitamin Supplements and Fertility

There are no specific vitamins to help you get pregnant. You cannot use one or a just few vitamins to boost fertility.
Doctors suggest that both men and women must use vitamin supplements when undergoing any fertility treatment. There are no specific fertility vitamins to use, but all nutrients are needed for a healthy body.

When it comes to using vitamin D for IVF, it is better to consult your doctor about it instead of starting your own fertility vitamin treatment. Vitamin D in supplement form amounting to more than 1000 IU/day can be harmful.
It is better to consume foods rich in vitamin D and allowing the body to synthesize it with sun exposure. Getting out in the sun in the early mornings or when the sunlight is not very intense can be good for your overall health. It may also boost your chances of becoming pregnant with or without IVF.

Keep yourself updated with the latest on Family Planning & Pregnancy. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more on Health, Diet & Nutrition and Fitness. Also, check out our Health Tools and try out our health-related Quizzes.